Managing The Menopause with Young Children and Teenagers

Welcome to this series in which I join menopause coach Kate Usher to talk about menopause in the workplace. In this video we talk about managing your menopause with children.

There is an old stereotype that menopausal women are empty nesters, and although it used to be more common that women would go through menopause at the time when their children were teenagers, more and more of us are now experiencing menopause with young children. In addition, many of us also juggle multi family households, ageing parents and family sickness. The added stress and sleep deprivation may leave you feeling even more depleted and amplify any menopausal symptoms. This is when support from people around you becomes incredibly important.

Separating the menopause from everything else

With a lot going on at once, it can be difficult to differentiate between menopause and other factors affecting you and it can become a big blur of stress and anxiety. This is when we need to seek help and support. Start with the things you can change, such as your lifestyle. Coaching and counselling, as well as mindfulness can work incredibly well. Menopause and stress symptoms are similar and compound each other. When it gets too much, it’s time to seek medical support.

Connecting with your children

It’s easy to become triggered when we’re sleep deprived or stressed. Being able to recognise when you are being triggered and doing something about it is important. Find ways to connect with your kids on what you are going through.

Younger children

Younger children can be introduced to the menopause monster and not mummy being horrible. Tools such as breathing techniques can help manage emotions and connection through hugs can help alleviate feelings of rage. Always know it’s ok to say sorry, because you are teaching your children to apologise in the process.

Teenagers

For teenagers there is a need to have conversations about what is going on and how you’re feeling, as well as their logical and emotional brains. You will both be going through a common experience caused by the same hormones – them on the way in and you on the way out. Some teenagers might not be forthcoming and want to openly talk about their emotions. Indirect communication, such as a shared journal, can work well to keep the connection between you.

In the video, we mention Dan siegel’s The Adolescent Brain.

You can connect with Kate Usher on LinkedIn.

Other videos in the series:

Video 1:
Letting Go While Managing Societal Perceptions of Ageing

Video 2:
Identifying What We Want on The Other Side of Menopause

Video 4:
Menopause in Diversity & Inclusion